STAFFERS of the Campbellville Post Office in Georgetown had the scare of their lives when a lone gunman kicked his way into the inner office and relieved the post office of $1.3M in cash, cash vouchers and other monies, at about 07:30 hrs yesterday, shortly after the Guyana Police Force had escorted a canister with cash and had lodged same in the storage area.

The full extent of the loss was still being tallied up to yesterday. Speaking to this publication at the scene, Public Relations Officer/Assistant to the Postmaster-General, Telesha Whyte, said the incident occurred at about 08:27 hrs, when a man armed with a handgun made his way into the post office and kicked in a door that leads to the tellers and the office.

She said the bandit cornered several staffers who were manning the counter, and demanded money before going into the office and taking away the money that was in the storage area, which had been lodged at the office under police escort at about 07:30 hrs yesterday morning.

Whyte added that the bandit pounced on and robbed the place in a timely, well-orchestrated manner as if he had been observing the movements.

She pointed out that the gunman had an accomplice waiting in front of the post office on a CG motorcycle, upon which he made his speedy getaway before the police showed up.

She noted that although no one was injured or any gunshots were fired, the employees were all traumatized, and the post office remained closed for business until further notice. Meanwhile, the police are investigating the incident.

Whyte described what happened as sad, because she said the post office provides social services to the community, the doors are opened for business from 07:00 hrs, and old age and other pensions are payable, as well as other services are done there.

She noted that the robbery had been witnessed by several persons who were sitting at a nearby snackette, but they refused to assist the police with information when approached as the police began their probe.

Whyte said there are 67 post offices countrywide, with a complement of about 500 employees.

Michel Outridge photo saved in a file in Graphics as Post Office.
Written By Michel Outridge